Even
though they were certainly revered in their lifetime, since Isis
split they have been remembered as both pioneers and visionaries of a
post metal sound. They were certainly equally at home on stage as
they were in the studio and this live concert, recorded in Melbourne
in 2010, proves this beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Focussing
on material from Wavering Radiant, the bands final album that has
been released the year before as well as selected highlights from the
bands back catalogue, this live document shows how formidable a sonic
presence Isis were.

The
band open with Hall Of The Dead and then Hand Of The Host both from
Wavering Radiant and the sound is crystal clear and shows a band,
despite being close to their splitting up, sounding absolutely
immense with their sprawling sonic tales and as impressive as they
are on record. Holy Tears, 20 Minutes/40 Years, Wills Dissolve and
on, the highlights come in thick and measured droves with the
centrepiece of this performance being a sublime rendition of
Threshold Of Transformation.

As
the band end their set in the best way possible with the stunning
Celestial (The Tower), a song in which you can just feel the power
soaring through your speakers,you will have listened in awe to a band
doing what they do best.

The
nine songs that they play here are epically recreated and
demonstrates just how powerful a live band they were and having been
lucky enough to see Isis live, this is a cracking reminder of that,
how good a band they were in a live environment. Enthralling,
expansive, awe inspiring and completely life affirming in equal
measure.

Although
it is unlikely that we will ever get to see Isis live in the flesh
ever again (although never say never and all that!), this is the
nearest thing there is and it should be embraced to celebrate one the
most adventurous heavy bands on the planet that ever existed. There
is also the fact that the members of Isis are currently playing in a
multitude of bands (most notably Aaron Turner has the brilliant Sumac
and Mammifer amongst others and Michael Gallacher has the sublime
MGR) that should be checked out and appreciated in a live setting,
proving that the Isis legacy will never die.

Words
by Gavin Brown

Thanks to Monica at SpeakEasy PR for
the promo. Live VII 02.25.10 is available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl from
Ipecac Records now.